Platform engineering vs the Upsun Platform-as-a-Service

Platform engineering is an emerging practice aimed at simplifying software development and deployment by providing a standardized system with built-in controls, addressing the complexities of modern software architectures. It involves creating operating platforms that bridge the gap between end users and the complicated services they rely on, thus facilitating smoother operations and reducing friction. As organizations increasingly recognize the need for structured development processes, platform engineering is seen as a continuation of DevOps, focusing on automating and streamlining tasks such as provisioning, deployment, and scaling, while ensuring continuous improvement. However, it comes with challenges, including significant cost, the necessity for specialized talent, and the risk of inflexibility. Upsun offers a managed Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution that simplifies infrastructure management, allowing developers to focus on innovation by eliminating repetitive tasks and supporting rapid and secure application deployment at scale. While the concept of platform engineering suggests a shift away from traditional PaaS, it highlights the importance of deciding whether to build or adopt a platform to meet specific organizational needs.